Former Arsenal defender Matthew Upson has predicted his old club to miss out on a top four spot this season.

Given the strength of the top six teams, there was always going to be two who fail to qualify for next season's Champions League group phase.

Following results over the weekend the top four race couldn't be more intruiging. Tottenham Hotspur's 3-1 win over Chelsea saw them climb into third and they now have a two point advantage over their London rivals.

The Gunners remain in fifth place after sealing a first league win in three by beating Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium and will leapfrog Spurs with victory in the north London derby on Sunday afternoon.

"Chelsea were so bad on Saturday they have come in for a lot of criticism, but I think it is wrong to say that game shows Sarri's side have been found out," Upson told BBC Sport . "Jorginho has shown he can set the tempo for the way they want to play but I don't think stopping him means you stop the Blues - they have far too many other good players for that.

"If sides press him, like Spurs did with Alli, you leave space elsewhere and - most of the time - Chelsea will be capable of capitalising on that.

"The biggest reason they did not do that this weekend was because of how good Spurs were - it was a day where Mauricio Pochettinho's side were exceptional in and out of possession, and it is hard to stop them when they are in full flow like that.

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"Along with Arsenal, all three clubs are battling for a top-four spot - and with Manchester City and Liverpool so dominant, it appears one of them will miss out," he added.

"Who will it be? Well, in terms of their squad strength and players, I would say the Gunners are slightly behind Chelsea and Spurs at the moment but, in terms of getting results, they are definitely good enough to be in the mix.

"Emery is playing a big part in that. It is still early days for him but tactically he is so adept that whoever Arsenal are playing, they will always have a chance."

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